Cast
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Murilo Benício
as Máiquel
Cláudia Abreu
as Cledir
Natália Lage
as Érica
Jorge Dória
as Dr. Carvalho
André Gonçalves
as Galego
Lázaro Ramos
as Marcão
Perfeito Fortuna
as Robinson
Paulo Moska
as Enoque
Wagner Moura
as Suel
André Barros
as Marlênio
Carlo Mossy
as Chief of Police Santana
Maurício Gonçalves
as Detective Max
Mariana Ximenes
as Gabriela
Amir Haddad
as Gonzaga
José Wilker
as Sílvio
Crew
Director
- José Henrique Fonseca
Producer
- José Henrique Fonseca
- Leonardo Monteiro de Barros
- José Carlos de Oliveira
- Flávio R. Tambellini
Reviews
Silverstein
_O Homem do Ano_ starts with a fantasy-come-true: Máiquel (Murilo Benício) shoots local hoodlum Suel (Wagner Moura) in the back, killing him, but rather than get into trouble, Máiquel is hailed a hero by his neighbours. He goes on to become a minor celebrity as people leave gifts for him for his "heroic deed", not the least of which is a piglet that he names Bill. Máiquel gains a girlfriend in Cledir (Cláudia Abreu) and an admirer/patron in Dr. Carvalho (Jorge Dória), a dentist. The hero's life becomes more complicated when Suel's very young girlfriend Érica (Natália Lage) insists that Máiquel give her a place to stay since he killed her boyfriend, and Dr. Carvalho enlists him to take out the man who allegedly raped his daughter.
This movie is at its strongest when it's setting up the pieces on the board. We wonder where Máiquel's life is headed as no one seems terribly bothered by his taking a human life. His becoming a killer for hire seems only to result in reward with no downside. Máiquel appears to understand that murder is wrong, but it's not something that keeps him up at night. Rather, he's more concerned about whether or not to marry Cledir who has become pregnant with his child and getting himself an above-board job.
It's only when Máiquel becomes a successful hitman and gets his friends to help out that he begins to suffer setbacks. One of those involves Érica finding religion either because she feels guilty for being with a killer or because she doesn't get enough attention or perhaps both. The appearance of religion in this movie attempts to show how corrupted Máiquel has become as he resorts to violence to deal with a pastor. Máiquel also has trouble with the law when police from outside his area start to investigate his friends.
The challenges Máiquel faces in the latter part of the film are nowhere near as interesting as his entry into the world of murder. The surreal responses he receives to the killing of Suel give the story momentum as we wonder what's going to happen next in this bizarro world and if Máiquel will ever see justice for murdering a man. The issues he faces as he scales the social ladder are more typical of a crime drama and don't feel as fresh the film's setup.
The third act is particularly troublesome since Máiquel essentially blames others for his problems and sets out to "right wrongs" in the only way he knows how. Máiquel seems to have no awareness of what he's become or his own culpability, making the ending rather problematic. Needless to say, _O Homem do Ano_ is not the type of movie you want to show to someone impressionable because it's very easy to take away the wrong lessons from it.
Jan 1, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Man of the Year examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director José Henrique Fonseca brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2003, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Man of the Year took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Man of the Year shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Ambush Murders, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Man of the Year subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dowry of Life and Boyfriend Killer explore similar territory, The Man of the Year stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 1, 2003
- Runtime: 1h 44m
